Antony’s Respect for the Clergy

Besides this, he was tolerant by nature and humble in spirit. For though he was such a man, he kept the rule of the church most strictly, and he wanted all the clergy to be honored above himself. He was not ashamed to bow his head to bishops and presbyters, and if a deacon ever came to him for help, he talked with him about what was profitable, but in prayer he gave way to him, not being ashamed to learn himself. For he would often ask questions and wanted to listen to those who were present, and if anyone said something useful, he admitted that he had been helped. [a]

Besides, his face had a great and wonderful grace. This gift too he had from the Savior. For if he was present in a large company of monks, and someone who had not known him before wanted to see him, that person would come forward at once, pass by the rest, and hurry to Antony, as though drawn by his appearance. Yet he did not stand out above others in height or breadth, but in the calm of his manner and the purity of his soul. For since his soul was free from disturbance, his outward appearance was calm. So from the joy of his soul he had a cheerful face, and from the movements of his body the condition of his soul could be seen, as it is written, “When the heart is merry the face is cheerful, but when it is sorrowful the face is downcast.” In this way Jacob recognized what Laban was planning in his heart, and said to his wives, “Your father’s face is not as it was yesterday and the day before.” In this way Samuel recognized David, for he had joyful eyes, and teeth white as milk. In this way Antony was recognized, for he was never troubled, because his soul was at peace; he was never downcast, because his mind was joyful.